How come?

[HAPKO3]

Tall Paul : Convinve me? May I remind you that history, unlike such fields as phylosophy or religion, is ruled by factual information, not opinion. Thus, the fact that karate did not come from Okinawan peasants, while contrary to one of the most popular myths in all of martial arts (which, by the way is full of myths) is not up for debate. There's nothing to argue about - it was simply not the case.

Okinawan peasants fighting fully armed samurai warriors and bandits is right up there with TKD coming from the Hwa Rang, and flying sidekicks being developed to dismount enemies on horeseback, i.e. a pretty and completely unfounded myth. I was told this as well, in my early years of studying karate, and too believed it for a time.

What really gets me, though, is not that you were misinformed. That, as of itself, is not that big of a deal, but the fact that you spread this disinformation from a supposed position of authority (age, experience as a school teache, etc). I hope that, for you sake, you will learn to question what people tell you, and do your own research before you proceed to lecture others. You should be particularly careful with any information relating to the history and origin of martial arts - which is mostly made up of layers upon layers of bullshit, misinformation, with whatever little valid historical references romantisized beyond any recognition.

I understand that you've been spoon fed the okinawan-peasants-fighting-armed-enemies-with-bare-hands-and-farm-implements bullshit for a long time now. I can relate to that, I believed all of that crap myself once. Open your eyes, and think for yourself, it's not too late. Look up some primary sources of information on Okinawan history, talk to historians in the field (this is extremely easy to do over the internet), and as long as you stay away from martial artists, or anyone who has a stake in perpetuating these myths, you will see just how misguided you were.

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I remain, Hapko3

[HAPKO3]

By the way, I'm sorry if I was too abrasive. I let some of my long time frustration with ignorant school teachers spill out on you, which was not right of me.

Peace.

And I really do hope you look into this matter.

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I remain, Hapko3

[bruceleeroy]

if you really want to test your skills..
find a way to compete in the "Ring of Combat" tournaments